Patient Cooling Enclosure - An apparatus to provide thermal control to a patient comprises a neck member having a surface defining at least one opening, the surface configured to be spaced apart from a neck area of the patient. The neck member includes an air inlet to receive cooled air from an air source. The at least one opening is in fluid communication with the air inlet to direct cooled air from the air source and toward the neck area of the patient to provide the thermal control to the patient.

2009-08-27

20090216305

Thermal, outer layer leg wrap device - A thermal, outer layer leg wrap adapted for use by a handicapped, non-ambulatory or mobility restricted individual. The described embodiment of the present invention advantageously keeps the entire leg warm for sustained periods of time without having to remove the garment and interrupt the warmth. The described embodiment of the present invention comprises a separate wrap for each leg, thus increasing the ability of the individual wearing same to be more active and better able to be transferred while maintaining leg warmth.

2009-08-27

20090216306

TEMPORARY NEUROSTIMULATION LEAD IDENTIFICATION DEVICE - An implantable lead assembly kit and method of performing a medical procedure on a patient are provided. The kit comprises a lead including a lead body, at least one electrode, and a lumen disposed within the lead body. The kit further comprises identification devices, each of which includes a handle having a different identifier and a shaft extending from the handle. Each shaft is sized to be firmly and removably received within the lumen of the lead. The method comprises introducing at least one lead into the patient, mounting identification devices, each including a handle having a different identifier and a shaft, to the lead(s) by inserting the shafts within the lumens of the lead bodies, advancing the lead bodies into and out of a tube, identifying the lead bodies by examining the identification devices, and removing the identification devices from the lumens of the lead bodies.

2009-08-27

20090216307

BRAIDED STENT TO BE IMPLANTED IN A BLOOD VESSEL - A braided stent to be implanted in a blood vessel comprises a hollow body which is stretchable in its longitudinal direction and whose circumferential surface is formed by a braid of a multiplicity of filamentary elements which, in the expanded state of the braided stent, intersect a plane, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, at a braiding angle. The braided stent has a smaller braiding angle in a central portion than in its distal and proximal portions which adjoin the central portion in the longitudinal direction.

CONFORMABLE VASCULAR PROSTHESIS DELIVERY SYSTEM - Novel approaches for a conformable vascular prosthesis delivery system are provided which overcome the limitations of existing high pressure balloons for delivering intravascular prostheses to the site of high-risk plaques. One embodiment involves a short balloon segment which is inflated at one end of the prosthesis and then pulled to traverse the length of the prosthesis, dilating the surrounding prosthesis and securing it to the vessel wall as it traverses the length of the prosthesis. The short balloon segment causes less local trauma to the vessel relative to a full length balloon. Another embodiment involves use of a self-expandable mesh to expand the surrounding prosthesis and secure it to the vessel wall. The self expandable mesh is less traumatic than a typical angioplasty balloon because of the lower radial forces applied and the relatively higher transverse flexibility of the mesh.

2009-08-27

20090216310

Stent for the positioning and anchoring of a valvular prosthesis in an implantation site in the heart of a patient - An expandable stent including a plurality of positioning arches configured to be positioned within a plurality of pockets of a native heart valve and positioned on a first side of a plurality of native heart valve leaflets, a plurality of retaining arches configured to be positioned on a second side of the plurality of native heart valve leaflets opposite the first side, and at least one radial arch substantially circumferentially aligned with at least one of the plurality of positioning arches.

2009-08-27

20090216311

INTRALUMINAL SUPPORT FRAME - Intraluminal support frames for placement within a body vessel are provided. The support frames include a plurality of ring structures and first and second sets of connector segments. Connector segments of the first set join adjacent pairs of ring structures while connector segments of the second set join at least three ring structures. Medical devices are also provided that include a support frame and an additional component, such as a graft member or valve member

2009-08-27

20090216312

Stent for the Positioning and Anchoring of a Valvular Prosthesis in an Implantation Site in the Heart of a Patient - The present invention relates to a stent for the positioning and anchoring of a valvular prosthesis in an implantation site in the heart of a patient. Specifically, the present invention relates to an expandable stent for an endoprosthesis used in the treatment of a narrowing of a cardiac valve and/or a cardiac valve insufficiency. So as to ensure that no longitudinal displacement of a valvular prosthesis fastened to a stent will occur relative the stent in the implanted state of the stent, even given the peristaltic motion of the heart, the stent according to the invention comprises at least one fastening portion via which the valvular prosthesis is connectable to the stent. The stent further comprises positioning arches and retaining arches, whereby at least one positioning arch is connected to at least one retaining arch via a first connecting web. The stent moreover comprises at least one auxiliary retaining arch which connects the respective arms of the at least one retaining arch connected to the at least one positioning arch.

Balloon-Expandable, Self-Expanding, Vascular Prosthesis Connecting Stent - An expandable vascular stent includes an m×n array of ovals formed in a cylinder, m being the number of columns of ovals in the circumferential direction and n being the number of rows of ovals in the axial direction, and a plurality of prongs extending inwardly from the outer ends of respective ovals in rows 1 and n of the m×n array, and being arranged in facing pairs extending from axially-aligned ovals. The cylinder is expandable from an initial diameter to a pre-determined final diameter, wherein an increase in the diameter of the stent results in a substantial decrease in the length of the stent. The tube and the prongs can be made of surgical stainless steel, the tube being expandable using an angioplasty balloon; or the tube and the prongs can be made of a memory metal and the tube is self-expanding.

2009-08-27

20090216315

METHOD OF PLACEMENT OF A GRAFT OR GRAFT SYSTEM - An endoluminal prosthesis system deployable in a region of a patient's vasculature having one or more branch vessels, having a first main graft body having at least a first and second opening therein and a second main graft body having at least a first and a second opening therein. The first openings can be smaller than the second openings. The second main graft body can be expandable substantially within the first main graft body such that the second openings of each graft body do not substantially cover the first openings of the other graft body. The resulting graft system can have two openings therein, each being defined by the first openings in each of the first and second main graft bodies. One or more branch grafts can be attached to cover the openings in the main graft bodies, and the main graft bodies can have one or more cutouts therein.

2009-08-27

20090216316

Bioabsorbable Stent With Layers Having Different Degradation Rates - A bioabsorbable stent including a stent scaffolding formed from polymer layers with different degradation rates is disclosed. The polymer layers include an abluminal layer, a luminal layer, and optionally one or more middle layers. A degradation rate of the layers increases from the luminal layer to the abluminal layer.

2009-08-27

20090216317

Delivery of Highly Lipophilic Agents Via Medical Devices - An apparatus and system for delivering a lipophilic agent associated with a medical device including: a medical device, a first lipophilic agent capable of penetrating a body lumen, wherein the transfer coefficients of the first lipophilic agent is by an amount that is statistically significant of at least approximately 5,000, wherein the first lipophilic agent is associated with the medical device, wherein the first lipophilic agent/medical device is placed adjacent to said body lumen, and wherein a therapeutically effective amount of the first lipophilic agent is delivered to a desired area within a subject. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for improving patency in a subject involving placement of a medical device in a body lumen for treating and/or preventing adjacent diseases or maintaining patency of the body lumen.

2009-08-27

20090216318

Use of cis-epoxyeicosatrienoic acids and inhibitors of soluble epoxide hydrolase to reduce cardiomyopathy - The invention provides methods for inhibiting cardiomyopathy and for inhibiting cardiac arrhythmia, by administering to an individual in need thereof a cis-epoxyeicosantrienoic acid, an inhibitor of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), or both. In some embodiments, the method comprises administering to the individual a nucleic acid encoding an inhibitor of sEH. Cardiomyopathies treatable by the methods of the invention include cardiac hypertrophy and dilated cardiomyopathy.

2009-08-27

20090216319

MEDICAL IMPLANT HAVING IMPROVED DRUG ELUTING FEATURES - An implantable drainage device for treatment of a stricture of a body vessel is disclosed. The device comprises a drainage tube including an inlet and extending to an outlet to define a drainage lumen formed through the inlet and the outlet. The drainage tube includes a swell layer and a cast layer formed about the swell layer. The swell layer has a first agent dispersed thereabout for regulated drug elution through the cast layer. The cast layer has a second agent disposed thereabout for drug elution therefrom.

PROSTHETIC VALVE WITH SELECTIVELY POSITIONED BIOACTIVE AGENT - A prosthetic valve includes a support frame, a leaflet attached to the support frame, and a bioactive agent associated with the leaflet. A first free edge of the leaflet permits fluid flow through a body vessel in a first direction and substantially prevents fluid flow through the body vessel in a second, opposite direction. A second free edge of the leaflet at least partially defines an opening for permitting a controlled amount of fluid flow through the body vessel.

2009-08-27

20090216322

ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY RING AND ACTIVATION SYSTEM - An adjustable implantable medical device and adjustment device are described. In some embodiments, the adjustment device includes a lead with a distal end modified to permit better engagement and securement to the described implantable devices. In some embodiments, the contact of the lead is bent. Some embodiments include a coil that engages and secures the lead to the implantable device. Some embodiments include a suture line to aid in securing the lead to the implantable device.

2009-08-27

20090216323

MODULATING BUTTRESS SALINE MAMMARY PROSTHESIS - A saline-filled breast prosthesis has enhanced performance by virtue of having tactile characteristics approximating those of gel-filled implants. The invention retains all the benefits of the recognized safety profile, straight-forward construction, and broad clinical indications for saline implants. An enhanced implantable mammary prosthesis comprises a shell, a slurry filler compartment interior to the shell containing slurry filler, a fluid compartment, the fluid compartment being deformable from a neutral profile under pressure from the slurry filler and which recoils to the neutral profile when not under pressure, a reservoir, the reservoir being disposed external to the shell, the reservoir and fluid compartment being fluidically coupled by a port, and a limiting membrane region disposed between the fluid compartment and the reservoir.

2009-08-27

20090216324

MALLEABLE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A malleable implantable medical device for implanting in a recipient comprising a flexible region of the medical device, one or more structures proximate to the flexible region, wherein the one or more structures is configured to provide a bending force to the flexible region, and one or more hermetically sealed medical components coupled to the flexible region, wherein the one or more medical components is configured to provide a therapeutic effect on the recipient.

2009-08-27

20090216325

Method And Apparatus For Providing Resorbable Fixation Of Press-Fit Implants - A press-fit prosthesis for replacing a portion of a bone. The prosthesis can comprise a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The second side can be operable to engage the bone. The prosthesis can include at least one resorbable fixation member coupled to the second side such that the at least one resorbable fixation member does not extend through to the first side. The at least one resorbable fixation member can be coupled offset from a center of the second side. The at least one resorbable fixation member can substantially resist movement of the prosthesis relative to the bone. The at least one resorbable fixation member can resorb at a rate that enables bone in-growth to fixedly couple the prothesis to the bone.

2009-08-27

20090216326

TENDON REPAIR APPARATUS AND METHOD - A method and apparatus for tendon repair includes an elongated member of a generally tubular shape having two barbed sections with oppositely directed barbs and a middle portion between the barbed sections. The barbs are cut from the tubular body leaving a mesh-like body of interconnected struts. The middle portion is also formed of interconnected struts. A needle and suture is connected at both opposite ends of the elongated member and used to pull the barbed sections into respective ends of a severed tendon. The barbs bite into the tendon tissue to hold the ends together. The sutures are preferably cut off at the tendon surface at a location spaced from the rejoined ends. One or more of the tendon repair devices may be used to repair each tendon, optionally with perimeter stitching at the rejoined ends.

2009-08-27

20090216327

ARTIFICIAL BONES AND METHODS OF MAKING SAME - An artificial bone generally includes an outer wall defining an inner cavity and an inner core disposed within at least a portion of the inner cavity, wherein the inner core includes a porous material having stiffness within a range of stiffness properties for mammalian cancellous bone and strength within a range of strength properties for mammalian cancellous bone.

2009-08-27

20090216328

SPINAL FIXATION ELEMENT AND METHODS - A spinal fixation element is provided having a feature formed thereon that facilitates placement of the spinal fixation element through an access device, thus allowing the spinal fixation element to be positioned in relation to a spinal anchor that is coupled to the access device and that is implanted in a vertebra in a patient's spine. The feature also optionally facilitates placement of the spinal fixation element in relation to spinal anchors implanted in adjacent vertebrae. In particular, the spinal fixation element is adapted for use with an access device that has at least one slot or opening formed therein and having a width that is less than a width of the feature, thus preventing the feature from passing therethrough. The spinal fixation element can therefore be inserted through the access device, and a portion of the fixation element can be passed through the slot or opening in the access device while the feature is retained in the access device. As a result, the feature is seated within a spinal anchor that is coupled to the access device, and the remaining portion of the spinal fixation element can extend through the slot, preferably to be positioned within a spinal anchor disposed within an adjacent vertebra.

Spinal Implant with expandable fixation - A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one fixation element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to engage a surface of an adjacent vertebral body and secure the implant between two vertebral bodies. Preferably, the implant is expandable and has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it must pass to be deployed within the intervertebral space. Once within the space between vertebral bodies, the implant can be expanded so as to engage the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Angular deformities can be corrected, and natural curvatures restored and maintained.

2009-08-27

20090216332

EXPANDABLE REVERSE SHOULDER TRIAL - An expandable shoulder trial for a reverse shoulder system is described. The trial includes a rotatably adjustable insert housed within a humeral cup. The insert has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end having a concave recess therein adapted to receive a glenosphere prosthesis. The distal end of the insert includes a shaft, the shaft having a helical groove disposed on at least a portion thereof. A distal end of the humeral cup is inserted in a humeral stem. The humeral cup has a proximal end including a recess therein, the recess defined by a circular wall. A guide pin protrudes from the circular wall and is adapted to engage the helical groove of the shaft of the insert. The proximal end of the insert may rotate along an axis toward the proximal end of the humeral cup and along the same axis away from the proximal end of the humeral cup.

2009-08-27

20090216333

WRIST IMPLANTS - An implant system and apparatus configured to permit motion of the wrist in at least one physiological direction, as well as in a dart thrower's motion, and constrain motion of the wrist in at least one non-physiological direction are provided. The implant according to one embodiment includes a distal component and proximal component. Each of the distal and proximal components includes a primary articulating portion and a secondary articulating portion. Primary and secondary articulating portions include at least one component having either a substantially convex or a substantially concave shape. The secondary articulating portion is configured to be radially and volarly disposed in relation to the primary articulating portion.

2009-08-27

20090216334

Bone Implants - The present invention includes implants that include a nickel-titanium alloy. The present invention includes a fusion block implant that includes a nickel-titanium alloy. The present invention includes a wedge, osteotomy implant that includes a nickel-titanium alloy. The present invention includes a subtalar implant that includes a nickel-titanium alloy. The present invention includes methods of bone fusion, and methods of correcting directionality of a bone.

2009-08-27

20090216335

Femoral Hip Prosthesis and Method of Implantation - Implants and methods are presented for surgically repairing a hip joint with a proximal femoral prosthesis that comprises femoral head component and a femoral stem component. The femoral stem component comprises a neck portion, a flange portion, a transitional body region and an elongated stem. The femur is prepared for implantation of the femoral hip prosthesis by resecting the proximal femur and reaming a symmetric intramedullary cavity in the femur. The femoral hip prosthesis is then inserted the on the resected femur and in the intramedullary cavity. The femoral hip prosthesis elastically deforms when loaded during use to apply dynamic compressive loads and displacement to the calcar region of the resected proximal femur.

2009-08-27

20090216336

BIORESORBABLE, MINERALISED MATERIAL FOR FILLING OSSEOUS DEFECTS - A bioresorbable and mineralized material for filling osseous defects includes a native and/or renatured collagen matrix of congregated collagen chains, in which essentially only a surface of the congregated collagen chains is mineralized. A shaped article for filling osseous defects includes such a material. A method for producing a shaped article for filling osseous defects from a liquid medium, includes the steps of deposition of a mineral substance, preferably from its dissolved ionogenic components, on a collagen matrix, precipitation of the mineralized collagen matrix, separation of the mineralized collagen matrix, transfer of the mineralized collagen matrix to a suspension, transfer of the suspension to a mold defining the shaped article, and freeze-drying of the suspension in the mold.

2009-08-27

20090216337

GASTRIC BYPASS PROSTHESIS FIXATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF OBESITY - An improved gastric bypass prosthetic (GBP) device and an improved GBP fixation device, as well as a GBP kit for the surgical treatment of obesity. In one form, a gastric bypass prosthetic (GBP) device of the invention includes a optional flexible tube extending along a central axis from a proximal end to a distal end, and having a tubular tissue fixation portion at or near said proximal end. The tissue fixation portion extends along the central axis between a proximal end and a distal end of the tissue fixation portion, and has an annular outer surface between the proximal end and the distal end of the tissue fixation portion.

Through-Liner Electrode System for Prosthetics and the Like - A system for passing myoelectric signals through a suspension liner of a prosthetic device, the suspension liner having an inner surface that is in contact with a user's skin and an outer surface that is adjacent to an outer socket of the prosthetic device. The system in one embodiment includes a flexible conductive electrode insert defining a first portion located on or adjacent the inner surface of the suspension liner such that it touches the user's skin, a second portion passing through the suspension liner, and a third portion on the outer surface of the suspension liner, and an adhesive that adheres at least the second and third portions of the insert to the suspension liner.

Method and System for Providing a User Interface - A method for providing a user interface for an industrial control system. Information is presented at least in part displayed in layers or filters on one or more display screens of a control system. The control system may include other media for presenting or displaying information. The content for the one or more layers, which also provide an interface to a process state or function, is determined based on information available from the control system, dependent on which of the available items of the information shall be visually displayed or otherwise presented prominently, or displayed less prominently, or hidden. An interface, computer programs and a control system are also provided.

2009-08-27

20090216342

Method for generating and using a plasma processing control program - A method is provided of generating and using a control program for a Obtain plasma process. The method comprises obtaining predetermined process data defining, in a series of time steps, changes in at least one control parameter for the plasma process during the said process. Control data are generated from the process data, the control data defining the at least one control parameter at a plurality of discrete times within each step. The control data are presented graphically to a user, using an interactive display device. The control data are modified in response to the operation by the user of the interactive display device, so as to generate the control program.

2009-08-27

20090216343

Method for Determining the Processing Order of Modules In a Function Plan and Electronic Data Processing System for Carrying Out the Method - There is described a method for determining the processing sequence of components of a function plan for a sequentially operating automation system. Each component is allocated a component code in a reversible unambiguous manner and, whilst the components have a signal input and output connection, these should be applicable to a number of various function plans and thus minimize the reaction time of an automation system to process signals. The above is achieved, whereby the signal path in the function plan commences at an initial component in a recursive procedure in the forward direction and returns in the backward direction. A given set of propagation rules for the forward direction and for the backward direction are defined, the components reached in the course of a forward propagation are allocated to a sequence list, the list elements of which include the component codes and during each run through the recursive loop the sequence list obtained on the previous run is updated by means of the current sequence list.

Fault-Tolerant Wireless Irrigation System - A node of a fault-tolerant system relies upon a primary communication mechanism, when possible, for primary connection to a central server. The node monitors its primary connection to the server. While the primary connection is active, the node operates in a supervised mode, in that it generally does not perform a certain subset of tasks without having received real-time commands from the server to perform those tasks. However, when the node detects that it is no longer connected to the server, the node transitions into a fail-over mode. The node operates in the fail-over mode until the node detects that primary connection is re-established. While in fail-over mode, the node may execute a stored set of fail-over instructions that were provided by the server. The node may also attempt to establish a backup connection to the server via a second and different type of communication mechanism.

2009-08-27

20090216346

OPTIMIZING REUSE OF ARTIFACTS - The present invention refers to a method automatizing optimization of reuse of artifacts in industrial engineering, wherein the reuse of artifacts is optimized by assessing of artifacts based on classifying of artifacts. Further, the present invention relates to computing entities and system supporting the optimization of reuse of artifacts in industrial engineering. The present invention enables targeted dealing with deficits of reuse by which identification of artifacts being particularly suitable for reuse becomes possible.

2009-08-27

20090216347

Neuro-Fuzzy Systems - A systematic method of generating a neuro-fuzzy structure a system comprises: recording data relating sample system outputs to sample system inputs, granulating the data to identify rules relating the inputs to the outputs, measuring information loss during the granulation process to enable identification of an optimum number of rules, and constructing the network so that it has a plurality of processing elements corresponding to the rules.

2009-08-27

20090216348

Dynamically updated predictive model - Data of at least one of past values and present values of a system is consolidated from a plurality of sources. Virtual data of future values of the system is generated by applying the acquired data to a predictive model. Additional acquired data is received. The virtual data is dynamically updated by applying the additional acquired data to the predictive model.

2009-08-27

20090216349

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EXTENDING LIFETIME OF SENSOR NODES IN WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORK - A method and system are provided that extend the lifetime of sensor nodes in a wireless sensor network while ensuring network availability. An availability level is set for ensuring network connectivity corresponding to importance of network connectedness. An operation probability that a sensor node is in operation is calculated. A total sleeping time of the sensor node is calculated that minimizes the operation probability while maintaining the availability level.

2009-08-27

20090216350

CONTROL VALVE AND POSITIONER DIAGNOSTICS - Valve positioning systems may include one or more components and a controller. Components may include one or more electric-to-pressure output converters, relays, gas supplies, and/or actuators. A controller may adjust a position of a valve by sending a signal. The valve positioning system may individually monitor components and determine the condition of each component being individually monitored. The valve positioning system may determine if a component will fail prior to failure and/or determine if a problem will occur in a component prior to the problem occurring.

METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN IMPROVED MUSIC EXPERIENCE - The present invention provides adapting an audio frequency range to a linear vibrator. This may be achieved by detecting presence of signal components in a first audio frequency range. A control signal may then be provided in response to the detected first signal components. A second signal component in a second frequency range may moreover be obtained and controlled in response to the amplitude of the control signal, wherein the second frequency range is narrower than the first audio frequency range. Feeding of the controlled second signal component to the linear vibrator causing vibrations of the linear vibrator is thus enabled, creating an increased experience of the music when applied to rhythm-based music within a portable communication device such as a mobile phone.

Sound signal processing apparatus and method - Character value of a sound signal is extracted for each unit portion, and degrees of similarity between the character values of the individual unit portions are calculated and arranged in a matrix configuration. The matrix has arranged in each column the degrees of similarity acquired by comparing, for each of the unit portions, the sound signal and a delayed sound signal obtained by delaying the sound signal by a time difference equal to an integral multiple of a time length of the unit portion, and it has a plurality of the columns in association with different time differences. Repetition probability is calculated for each of the columns corresponding to the different time differences in the matrix. A plurality of peaks in a distribution of the repetition probabilities are identified. The loop region in the sound signal is identified by collating a reference matrix with the degree of similarity matrix.

2009-08-27

20090216355

AUDIO RECORDING AND PLAYBACK SYSTEM - A handheld electronic pen having an audio recording mode and an audio playback mode. In the audio recording mode, the pen is configured to activate a microphone for recording audio, determine a position on an encoded substrate during interaction with the substrate associate said the position with the recorded audio. In the audio playback mode, the pen is configured to: determine a position on the encoded substrate, retrieve recorded audio associated with the position, and playback the recorded audio via an audio output device.

2009-08-27

20090216356

Customized manufacturing method for an optoelectrical device - The disclosure provides a customized manufacturing method for an optoelectrical device. The customized manufacturing method comprises the steps of providing a manufacturing flow including a front-end flow, a customized module subsequent to the front-end flow, and a pause step between the front-end flow and the customized module, processing a predetermined amount of semi-manufactured products queued at the pause step, tuning the customized module in accordance with a customer's request, and processing the semi-manufactured products by the tuned customized module to fulfill the customer's request.

2009-08-27

20090216357

SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATIC GENERATION OF COMPONENT DATA - A method of manufacturing electronic circuits including generating CAD data, a bill of materials and an approved component vendor list for an electronic circuit and employing the CAD data, the bill of materials and the approved component vendor list for automatically generating a pick & place machine-specific component loading specification, a pick & place machine-specific component placement sequence and pick & place machine-specific component data for governing the operation of at least one specific pick & place machine in a manufacturing line.

2009-08-27

20090216358

ASSEMBLY INFORMATION MANAGEMENT APPARATUS, AND ASSEMBLY INFORMATION MANAGEMENT METHOD - An assembly information management apparatus includes a detection means for detecting an update of a selected part selected from a group of parts constituting any assembly information in the set, a first calculation means for calculating outline shape data of the selected part after being updated from the selected part detected by the detection means, an identification means for identifying a common assembly information group sharing the selected part from the set, a second calculation means for calculating outline shape data of common assembly information for each piece of common assembly information identified by the identification means based on outline shape data of remaining parts after excluding the selected part constituting the common assembly information and outline shape data of the selected part after being updated calculated by the first calculation means, and an association means for associating each piece of the common assembly information with outline shape data.

2009-08-27

20090216359

PRUNING-BASED VARIATION-AWARE DESIGN - For application to analog, mixed-signal, and custom digital circuits, a system and method to begin with a complex problem description that encompasses many variables from statistical manufacturing, the circuit's environment, and the circuit's design parameters, but then apply techniques to prune the scope of the problem to make it manageable for manual design and more efficient automated design, and finally use that pruned problem for more efficient and effective design.

Calibration of a machine tool - Calibration apparatus comprising a positional calibration means, and a machine tool assembly chuck configured to, in use, locate a machine tool assembly comprising a machine tool configured to be adjustably mounted on a machine tool mount. The positional calibration means and chuck are mounted on a common base relative to one another. The positional calibration means comprises a calibration headstock provided with a positional feature engagement means for cooperative engagement with a machine tool location feature provided on the machine tool. When the machine tool is adjusted on the machine tool mount relative to the positional calibration means, cooperative engagement of the positional feature engagement means and the machine tool location feature indicates the machine tool is aligned along a predetermined machine tool calibration axis.

2009-08-27

20090216363

Work head - A work head adapted to support at least one elongate work piece, said work head having a first drive shaft capable of rotation about a central axis, said work pieces being supported from the work head at a position spaced radially from the central axis such that the axis of each work piece is in the same plane as the central axis, the work pieces supported from the work head to be capable of rotation about their central axes, the drive shaft adapted to be caused to rotate by a first drive, the work pieces adapted to be caused to rotate by a second drive.

2009-08-27

20090216364

Systems and Methods for Efficiently Determining Item Slot Assignments - Techniques are described for assigning an item to a slot in an item storage facility, such as a warehouse or a distribution center. A plurality of scores are determined, each score associated with an item and slot pair, the slot chosen from a plurality of slots and each score representing a degree of conformity of the item to a desired sequence of item and slot pairs, wherein the degree of conformity is measured in a simulated pairing of the item with the slot chosen from the plurality of slots in a sequence of other item and slot pairs and a different slot is chosen from the plurality of slots for each simulated pairing with the item. The item is physically assigned to a best slot associated with a highest score among the plurality of scores.

2009-08-27

20090216365

MEDIA DEPOSIT APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - Provided is a media deposit apparatus including: a deposit transfer portion providing a deposit circulation path of media deposited via a media deposit portion; a temporary transfer portion providing a temporary circulation path that contacts with the deposit circulation path to transfer the media to a temporary stack portion, and including a temporary stack gate, provided between the deposit circulation path and the temporary circulation path, to selectively convert a path of media to the temporary circulation path; and a media transfer portion providing a media transfer path that contacts with the temporary circulation path to transfer the media to a media storage portion, and including a media storage gate, provided between the temporary circulation path and the media transfer path, to selectively convert the path of media to the media transfer path. Accordingly, it is possible to simplify a media transfer structure and to enhance a media transfer efficiency.

2009-08-27

20090216366

Optimizing vehicle loading operations - Computer-implemented method of loading goods stored in a warehouse on a vehicle for transporting and delivering to a number of destination locations, whereby the destination locations are on a predetermined route, comprising the following steps: receiving a number of delivery requests, each request specifying the goods to be delivered, and the destination locations of the goods to be delivered; receiving data descriptive of the route which the vehicle has to travel for delivering the goods at the destinations; placing the goods to be delivered on a staging area associated with the vehicle, the staging area defining a physical place where the goods are intermediately put down and sequentially picked up from for being loaded on the vehicle; whereby the goods are positioned on the staging area in such a first spatial sequence that they can be picked up there from and placed in the vehicle in such a second spatial sequence that they can be unloaded from the vehicle at the respective destination locations in the sequence of arriving at the destination locations.

2009-08-27

20090216367

Method for selecting optical fiber for use in fiber and cable systems - An optical fiber inventory selection system selects optical fibers from inventory for use in a communication network. In one embodiment, the system generates an internal specification of requirements to select optical fiber reels from an inventory to be used as components in spans, such as dispersion managed spans, wherein at least one of the selected optical fiber reels is identified to have an amount of optical fiber on the reel cut back to a reduced length. The spans can then be selected to satisfy customer requirements or standardized requirements for a communication network that may include a plurality of cables and paths.

2009-08-27

20090216368

Method For Batching And Grading - The present invention provides a method and a system for increased efficiency during grading and/or batching. Partial batches are formed based on their characteristics and the fact that the items (

2009-08-27

20090216369

METHOD FOR PROCESSING MAILED ITEMS - An exemplary method for processing mailpieces is adapted to be performed in a data network having a plurality of first processing units situated in at least two mail processing centers, the plurality of first processing units having a first functionality, and having at least one second processing unit having a second functionality, the plurality of first processing units and the at least one second processing unit being connected to each other within the data network, wherein images of at least one surface of the mailpieces have been recorded, and wherein mailing data associated with the mailpieces has been ascertained on the basis of the recorded images. The exemplary method comprises storing connection information for establishing data connections to the plurality of first processing units in at least one list, performing a load balancing method to determine connection information for establishing a data connection to a one of the plurality of first processing units using the at least one list, sending the connection information to the at least one second processing unit, establishing a data connection between the one of the plurality of first processing units and the at least one second processing unit using the connection information, and transmitting an image of a surface of a mailpiece via the data connection.

2009-08-27

20090216370

TARGETED PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A targeted product distribution system is described herein with respect to an exemplary management of product flow through a distribution center. Specifically, the system and method described herein is directed to the management and display of direct and easily-understood instructions, such that average individuals, as well as those with mental disabilities, will be able to contribute equally to the overall process.

2009-08-27

20090216371

DYNAMIC INVENTORY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - Embodiments include systems and methods of delivery DVDs, games, other electronically or computer readable media, or other high value items through the mail or via any other delivery service for return and redelivery to a second customer. For example, in one embodiment, items returned by a first customer are identified during processing of a container or mailer containing the item, the second customer is determined, a new address label is affixed to the container, and the item is delivered to the second customer.

2009-08-27

20090216372

Apparatus for detecting malfunctions of electromagnetic brakes of robot - An apparatus is provided for detecting a malfunction occurring in an electromagnetic brake of a robot. In the apparatus, the main relay and the sub-relay are controlled to open the main contact and the sub-contact when the robot is activated. Detecting is then made whether or not the main contact is malfunctioning, by monitoring an energized state of the main contact. Activation of the robot is stopped when the main contact is malfunctioning and the main relay is controlled to close the main contact for a given period of time when that the main contact is operating normally. Detecting is further made as to whether or not the sub-contact is malfunctioning, by monitoring an energized state of the sub-contact The activation of the robot is stopped when the sub-contact is malfunctioning and the main relay is controlled to close the main contact when the sub-contact is operating normally.

2009-08-27

20090216373

Mobile Device for Irradiation and Detection of Radiation - A mobile equipment endowed with a neutrons source possibly in combination with other radiation sources including a robot system that, moving on a controlled trajectory, realize the conditions to observe from different positions the radiation emerging from a specimen either mobile or fixed, properly irradiated, is described.

2009-08-27

20090216374

MITIGATING EFFECTS OF BIODYNAMIC FEEDTHROUGH ON AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL DEVICE - Biodynamic feedthrough in a master control system can be mitigated. An accelerometer is used to measure the acceleration of an environment. In one embodiment, mitigation damping forces can then be determined based on the velocity of an effector of a haptic manipulator and the measured accelerations. The haptic manipulator applies the mitigation damping forces as force feedback. In another embodiment, biodynamic feedthrough can be filtered from the input signal. Parameters for a model can be accessed based on the position of the effector, and the model can be used to predict biodynamic feedthrough from the measured accelerations.

2009-08-27

20090216375

Industrial Robot Tending A Machine And A Method For Controlling An Industrial Robot Tending A Machine - An industrial robot for tending a machine includes a machine part providing a repetitive sequence of movements. The robot includes a robot controller having a program storage for storing a path of programmed positions for the robot and a path of programmed positions for the machine part, and a motion planner configured to plan the motion of the robot and the motion of the machine part based on the programmed positions for the robot and the machine part such that the motion of the robot and the motion of the machine part are coordinated with each other.

2009-08-27

20090216376

Group Elevator Scheduling With Advanced Traffic Information - A near-optimal scheduling method for a group of elevators uses advanced traffic information. More particularly, advanced traffic information is used to define a snapshot problem in which the objective is to improve performance for customers. To solve the snapshot problem, the objective function is transformed into a form to facilitate the decomposition of the problem into individual car subproblems. The subproblems are independently solved using a two-level formulation, with passenger to car assignment at the higher level, and the dispatching of individual cars at the lower level. Near-optimal passenger selection and individual car routing are obtained. The individual cars are then coordinated through an iterative process to arrive at a group control solution that achieves a near-optimal result for passengers.

2009-08-27

20090216377

Air conditioner and method of controlling the same - An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes a first temperature sensor configured to measure an indoor temperature during a heating operation, a second temperature sensor configured to measure a discharge temperature of a compressor, a valve provided at an outlet side of an indoor heat exchanger during the heating operation, and a controller configured to control an opening of the valve by comparing a temperature detected by the first temperature sensor with a temperature detected by the second temperature sensor.

2009-08-27

20090216378

POWER ASSIST APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - In a control method for a power assist apparatus, a pressing force acting on a workpiece held by a workpiece holding apparatus is detected, a determination is made as to whether or not the detected pressing force exceeds a preset threshold, a determination is made as to whether or not a dead man switch provided on the workpiece holding apparatus is ON, and a determination as to whether or not to release a rotation restriction applied to a joint portion for connecting the workpiece holding apparatus rotatably to an arm is made in accordance with a result of the determination as to whether or not the detected pressing force exceeds the preset threshold and a result of the determination as to whether or not the dead mean switch is ON.

2009-08-27

20090216379

METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A method of operating an electronic system includes determining first and second temperature signals with a thermostat processor. The first and second temperature signals are provided by a temperature sensor. The method includes adjusting the operation of an air conditioning unit in response to an indication that a difference between the first and second signals is within a predetermined range. The second temperature signal is provided in response to an indication from a timer.

2009-08-27

20090216380

Adaptive algorithm for setting the proportional integral (pi) gains in lag-dominated hvacr systems - A method to determine and apply PI gain constants to an HVAC PI controller used to control an HVAC component includes the steps of: recording an opened loop HVAC component dynamic step response; fitting the HVAC component dynamic response to a transfer function model; calculating the PI gain constants from the model; entering the calculated PI gains into a PI control algorithm; and running the PI control algorithm on the HVAC PI controller to control the HVAC component. The inventive method can be used with an HVAC system comprising, an HVAC system component; an HVAC system component controller electrically connected to the HVAC system component to control the operation of the HVAC system component; and a PI algorithm. The PI algorithm uses PI gain constants calculated from the open loop transfer function of the HVAC system component.

2009-08-27

20090216381

CLOSED DATA CENTER CONTAINMENT SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A containment system includes a control unit comprising a cooling system and a control panel in communication with the cooling system. The containment system also includes a containment unit in communication with the control unit for containing a plurality of electronic components. The containment unit includes a base including a damper, a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the base, and a top overlying the base and having a passageway formed area. The base, the plurality of sidewalls and the top define a containment area there between for containing the plurality of electronic components. Cold air is passed from the cooling system to the base of the containment unit through the damper and into the containment area. Warm air is removed from the containment area through the passageway formed in the top thereof and back to the cooling system. The warm air removed from the containment area is cooled by the cooling system, and the control panel is adapted to be in communication with the electronic components contained in the containment area.

USER INTERFACE FOR ADJUSTING PARAMETERS FOR CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEMS IN MOTOR VEHICLES - A user interface for adjusting a plurality of parameters of a climate control system of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The user interface includes an input element having a system of coordinates having multiple dimensions, wherein each of the dimensions of the system of coordinates is associated with at least one of the parameters of the climate control system; and a program means to perform at least one of an absolute evaluation of the parameters and an incremental evaluation of changes to the parameters between an adjusted point range and an original point range of the parameters, and transmit a data representing the evaluation to at least one of a control device and a regulation device of the climate control system in order to adjust a value of the parameters.

Method and Device for Increasing the Operational Flexibility of a Current-Generating System, in Particular a Gas Turbine or Steam Turbine - Discussed is a method and device for increasing the operational flexibility of a current-generating system with a turboset, comprising a turbine coupled to an electrical generator, a power set point value being predefined, and a future target time at which the turboset is supposed to be at the power set point value, so that a power curve is determined via the power set point value and the target time, the turboset being operated starting from a actual power value at an actual time along the power curve such that the predefined power set point value is reached at the predefined target time. Also discussed is a gas turbine and to a steam turbine in accordance with the above description.

2009-08-27

20090216386

LOAD SHED TRANSFER MECHANISM AND METHOD - A transfer mechanism and method are provided for transferring the supply of electrical power on a load between a utility source and a stand-by electrical generator wherein load includes an essential load and a secondary load. The transfer mechanism includes a transfer switch that transfers the supply of electrical power to the output between the utility source and the generator. A load shed controller is operatively connected to the output of the transfer switch for monitoring the electrical power supplied to the secondary load. The load shed controller terminates the electrical power supplied to the secondary load in response to the generator being overloaded.

2009-08-27

20090216387

METHODS AND SYSTEM TO MANAGE VARIABILITY IN PRODUCTION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY - Methods and systems to control loads coupled to an electric energy or power grid within corresponding ranges of load values in response to one or more factors, such as to manage variability in production of renewable energy. Loads may be controlled in response to an indication of balance between available power and loads and/or in response to new loads and/or grid disconnections, and may be controlled repeatedly over time to adjust a sum load in response to changes in one or more of balance between available power and loads, new loads, and grid disconnections. A load may be repeatedly adjusted over time to provide an electrical power requirement within a time frame while accommodating at least a portion of variations in the balance between available electric power and load.

2009-08-27

20090216388

WAFER AND TEMPERATURE TESTING METHOD OF THE SAME - A wafer on which a plurality of semiconductor chips are formed, and the wafer includes a temperature control circuit embedded in the wafer and configured to control its periphery temperature in the wafer to a predetermined target temperature; and a pad to which a start signal is supplied to start the thermal control circuit. The temperature control circuit is started in response to the start signal to automatically perform a temperature control without receiving any control signal.

2009-08-27

20090216389

DRIVER INFORMATION DEVICE - A driver information device includes an output unit for outputting items of driver information, a pause having a predetermined length being inserted between the outputting of a first and a second item of information.

2009-08-27

20090216390

Unmanned Vehicle Message Conversion System - According to one embodiment of the disclosure, an unmanned vehicle message conversion system generally includes a message interpreter that is coupled between a first unmanned vehicle control interface and a second unmanned vehicle control interface. The second unmanned vehicle control interface is configured to transmit and receive messages with a messaging protocol that is different than the first unmanned vehicle control interface. The message interpreter is operable to receive a first message from the unmanned vehicle control system, convert the first message to a second message having the second protocol, and transmit the second message to the unmanned vehicle.

2009-08-27

20090216391

INERTIAL SIGNALS FOR FLIGHT CONTROL BACKUP MODE - A flight control system is provided that includes a reference system and flight control actuators. The reference system includes one or more sets of gyroscopes and accelerometers. At least one set of the gyroscopes and accelerometers are configured to provide a first output of a first set inertial signals for normal mode flight control and second output of a second different set of inertial signals for backup mode flight control. The flight control actuators are configured to be controlled by one of the first set of inertial signals and the second set of inertial signals.

2009-08-27

20090216392

VECTORED THRUSTER AUGMENTED AIRCRAFT - The Invention is a rotary-wing aircraft having at least two vectored thrusters that may be tilted from a horizontal to a vertical position and to positions intermediate between the horizontal and vertical positions. The two vectored thrusters are equipped with propellers having separately variable pitch. The two vectored thrusters also are equipped with vanes having selectable vane angles to direct separately the air flow from the two vectored thrusters. A control system detects the flight condition of the aircraft and selects vectored thruster control settings corresponding to the detected flight condition and consistent with predetermined control rules to provide lift, thrust, yaw moments and roll moments.

2009-08-27

20090216393

DATA-DRIVEN ANOMALY DETECTION TO ANTICIPATE FLIGHT DECK EFFECTS - A method for data-driven anomaly detection may include monitoring a plurality of parameters associated with a plurality of subsystems of a system. The method may also include collecting data corresponding to each of the plurality of parameters from the plurality of subsystems and generating monitoring quantities based on the data. The method may also include determining if any quantities in the monitoring quantities exceed a predetermined limit. A contribution plot may be generated corresponding to each of the parameters in response to any of the quantities exceeding the predetermined limit. The method may further include determining which parameter is likely to cause an effect based on the contribution plot.

2009-08-27

20090216394

TURRET ASSEMBLIES FOR SMALL AERIAL PLATFORMS, INCLUDING UNMANNED AIRCRAFT, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Turret assemblies for small aerial platforms, including unmanned aircraft, and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an aircraft system can include a turret assembly having a payload with a line of sight to a target and a gimbal system carrying the payload. The gimbal system can include (a) a first support coupled to a first actuator to rotate about a first axis, and (b) a second support carried by the first support and coupled to a second actuator to rotate about a second axis generally transverse to the first axis. The payload can be carried by the second support. A housing at least partially surrounds the payload and the gimbal system. The turret assembly can also include a controller configured to direct movement of at least one of the first actuator and the second actuator such that the line of sight is pointed away from a point of impact before the turret assembly contacts the ground or another external structure during landing or capture operations.

2009-08-27

20090216395

System and Method for Identifying a Condition of an Upcoming Feature in a Track Network - A system for identifying at least one condition of at least one upcoming feature of at least one track in a track network. The system includes a positioning system for determining an estimated train position on a track within the track network, and at least one database including track data and feature data. A computer (i) obtains the determined estimated train position on at least one track from the positioning system; and (ii) for the at least one track, identifies at least one condition for at least one upcoming feature based at least in part upon the track data and the feature data in the at least one database. The feature data is dynamically updated while the train is traversing the track in the track network. A method and apparatus for identifying a condition of an upcoming feature are also provided.

2009-08-27

20090216396

Driving support system - The navigation apparatus in a vehicle receives physical condition data regarding user's condition from a measurement instrument through a power line when the vehicle is connected to the power line. The navigation apparatus determines whether a travel condition of the vehicle that is driven by using the sensors disposed in the vehicle, in terms of the driving operation concerning the fuel consumption rate of the vehicle. If the driving operation is not determined as fuel-consumption-conscious, an advice for the driving operation is output from the navigation apparatus according to the physical condition of the user. The user thus can have an appropriate advice for the driving operation that improves the fuel consumption rate of the vehicle at an appropriate timing that takes into consideration of the physical condition of the user under measurement outside of the vehicle.

2009-08-27

20090216397

DEVICE FOR ATTACHMENT TO A WHEEL AND WHEEL WITH SUCH A DEVICE - A device for attachment to a motor vehicle wheel includes an arrangement which, during movement or driving of the motor vehicle, detects vibrations which occur, evaluates the vibrations for an incipient fault state of a wheel bearing of the vehicle wheel, and delivers a signal when the monitoring or evaluation yields or indicates the incipient fault state.

2009-08-27

20090216398

VEHICLE HEALTH AND USAGE MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) and method for monitoring the health and/or usage of one or more components of a vehicle. In various embodiments, the present invention uses a plurality of wireless sensors configured, when activated by a vibration of the vehicle, to monitor one or more components of the vehicle and to communicate health and/or usage data of the one or more components of the vehicle to a data access point. The data access point may relay real-time health and/or usage data to an operator of the vehicle, or the health and/or usage data may accessed later. Such a system allows critical components of the vehicle to be monitored so as to reduce failures, and so that repairs to, or replacements of, the critical components of the vehicle may be planned, thus reducing unscheduled downtime.

2009-08-27

20090216399

VEHICLE DIAGNOSING APPARATUS, VEHICLE DIAGNOSING SYSTEM, AND DIAGNOSING METHOD - A vehicle diagnosing apparatus, a vehicle diagnosing system, and a diagnosing method enable the determination of completion of a repair or part replacement on a vehicle while adapting to changes in environment and overcoming temporal or spatial restrictions. The vehicle diagnosing apparatus reads diagnostic information from an on-board diagnosing unit on the vehicle that detects an abnormality in an on-board device. A result of a maintenance work performed on the on-board device is finalized by a maintenance result finalizing unit. A determination unit determines the appropriateness of the finalized maintenance work result with reference to determination information stored in a database that is continuously updated. The result of the determination is indicated by a notifying unit. Analogy is used to obtain the diagnostic information when the on-board device requires a long time or a certain condition to provide accurate diagnostic information.

2009-08-27

20090216400

FUEL DOOR SENSOR DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A diagnostic system for a vehicle comprises a refueling indicator module and a diagnostic module. The refueling indicator module selectively indicates when a refueling event occurs. The diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in a fuel door position sensor when the fuel door position sensor indicates that a fuel door is in one of an open position for less than a first predetermined period when the refueling event occurs and a closed position for greater than a second predetermined period when the refueling event occurs.

2009-08-27

20090216401

FEEDBACK LOOP ON DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE - A diagnostic system for a vehicle, includes a diagnostic tool including a first memory, receiving vehicle specific information and performing a diagnostic test on the vehicle, storing the test result in the first memory, and a second memory in communication with the diagnostic tool, storing the test result in the database, the second memory providing a feedback of the test result to the diagnostic tool by transferring the information on the database to the diagnostic tool, correlating the feedback information into the diagnostic test procedure of the diagnostic tool.

2009-08-27

20090216402

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING WIPER AND WASHER - Provided are an apparatus and a method for controlling a wiper and washer. An apparatus for controlling a wiper and washer, includes a wiper to wipe a windshield of a vehicle, a washer to eject washer fluid to the windshield of the vehicle, and an intelligent multi-function module (IMFM) to utilize a temperature sensing function of the vehicle according to a selected intelligent multi-function mode, and control the wiper and washer according to a sensed temperature with respect to the vehicle.

2009-08-27

20090216403

VEHICLE CHASSIS HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT METHOD AND SYSTEM - A method and system for adjusting a relative leveled height of a sprung mass of a vehicle to an unsprung mass of the vehicle. The method also includes receiving an input from an operator for incrementally/decrementally changing the height of the sprung mass. A system for performing the method is also disclosed.